A police crime reduction unit arrested two juvenile males over the weekend in a continuing sweep to crack down on drinking in parks and other public places in Hilo.

The youths, ages 17 and 16, were arrested in separate incidents and charged with prohibition involving minors and illegally drinking intoxicating liquor in a public place. The 16-year-old was also charged with resisting arrest.

The sweep was part of an ongoing operation conducted to keep public places safe for the public to enjoy.

It is also part of a two-month nationwide campaign to enforce zero tolerance laws prohibiting underage drinking.

Police are reminding residents that drinking in public places is illegal and that persons under the age of 21 may not purchase or possess alcoholic beverages in any public place.